French Manicure

How to give yourself a French Manicure

Fashion experts have differing views on the French manicure. Some think that the French manicure has gone pass� and outdated, while some are of the opinion that the French manicure is a classic that will never go out of style. But whatever the fashion gurus think, many women go for the French manicure because of its simplicity and the natural look that it evokes. The French manicure also gives the nails that clean, well-groomed appearance that is neither flashy nor fussy. 

But first, what is a French manicure? A French manicure is a style of polishing the nails wherein white paint is applied to the tips of the fingernails, and the rest of the nails are given a pink coat or painted with sheer polish that is colored either pale pink or very light beige. The French manicure is very good for short nails and nails that have a moderate length. 


Before you start giving your nails a French manicure, make sure you have followed the general rule for putting on nail polish. You should prep your nails first by removing old nail polish with acetone remover. Then go and clean your nails and give them a trim. 

Once you are done cleaning and trimming your nails, go ahead and apply a base coat to your nails. Keep this base coat thin and even. Afterwards, put a tip guide to your nail. This is supposed to cover the lower part of your nail as well as follow the curve of your nail tip�s natural white. When you are done with that, apply white polish to the exposed tips of your fingernails, and then let them dry. Keep the area that you will paint white thin. If you go too widely on the white paint, your nails will look chunky. Also, if you do not feel comfortable with stark white tips, you can use off-white polish instead. 

When the white polish on the tips of your fingernails is dry, remove the nail tip guides thoroughly. And then, paint the entire length of your nails with a beige polish. Two coats of this polish may be necessary. After this, put a layer of top coat on your nails. This is the last step; after putting on the top coat, dry your nails and make sure they dry completely. 

To extend the life of your French manicure and to keep your nails nice and looking well-groomed, you should make it a point to apply an extra layer of top coat on your nails every night. 

For all its seeming simplicity, putting on a French manicure can get really tricky. Most drugstores and beauty shops sell readily-assembled nail polishing kits especially made for the French manicure. If you need extra help, you can find these kits very useful. 

If you want to try out the French manicure but you are afraid to do it yourself, you can always visit a nail salon and have your nails done there. French manicure often costs extra than a regular polish because of the degree of accuracy needed for the job. It may be an expense, but it is worth it.

Artificial Nails

Applying Acrylic Nails

Artificial nails, or acrylic nails, are very pretty. You can have them at any length and at any color. You can indulge in the whimsical and have designs painted on them. You can even have artificial nails pierced and wear nail rings. 

What are acrylic nails? Acrylic nails are also known as fake nails, artificial nails that are glued onto the real nails. A lot of women like wearing them for various reasons. Some women feel that wearing long nails make them feel pretty and feminine, but they find that letting their real nails grow longer instead of wearing acrylic nails can be too much of a hassle. Real nails, after all, can get very brittle if allowed to grow long, and they chip off. 

Some women, on the other hand, wish to look their best for a certain special event or occasion, and that includes doing up their nails. Acrylic fingernails painted with an elaborate design are an instant standout. 

There are also some women who deliberately go for artificial fingernails in order to put a stop to their nail-biting habits. Acrylic nails, after all, are not that easy to come by, and a nail-biter would definitely think twice before chewing on her exquisitely done nails.
Women who want to have the perfect set of acrylic nails get them done by a professional at a nail salon. However, a session at a nail salon for this purpose can get quite expensive, and acrylic nails need to be maintained at least every two weeks. Not all women can afford to spend that much just to get their nails done. 

Fortunately, acrylic nails can be done at home. Doing your own artificial nails at home is not easy at first and it does take some work, but with practice, you can get the hang of it. 

Below is a step-by-step process to getting artificial nails:
Clean your nails. Make sure that your cuticles are pushed back and that whatever old polish you have on your natural nails are removed. You should also trim your natural nails as close as possible, but not too close. In case you snag your acrylic nails, the fake nails can tear away a part of your natural nails as well. Such an injury is not only very painful but can also lead to infections. Besides, having natural nails visible underneath the acrylic nails do not look neat. 

Some nail experts claim that you should rough up your nails by rubbing a grit filing block on them first before applying the acrylic tips to make sure the tips adhere closely. Some, however, do not think this is necessary at all. Whether you choose to rough up your nails or not, keep in mind that roughing up the nails can damage your natural nail bed. 

Once your nails are clean and dry, put some nail glue on your nails and then drop the acrylic tips. Make sure that the tips fit your nail bed as closely as they can. If they do not fit the size of your nails, file them until they do. Adjust the nails quickly before the glue dries so they would not appear crooked. In case the nail glue dries before you could get the fake nail off, you would just have to soak the finger in a nail soak to get it off and repeat the process. 

Trim the acrylic nails to your desired length. If this is your first time to put acrylic nails on, start with a moderate length just to get used to the feel and to avoid injuring yourself. 

Mix the liquid acrylic with the powder acrylic in a dampen dish, and then carefully apply the mixture to your fake nails like you would a nail polish. Take care not to put any of the mixture on your natural nail bed, or else it could lead to the development of fungi on your nails. 

When you are done with that, the last step would be to buff your nails and put on nail polish. 

Artificial nails are very pretty, and they last longer than nail polish on natural nails � two to four weeks for the acrylic ones compared to two to five days on polished natural nails. If you need to remove your fake nails, what you need to do is to soak your nails in a nail soak, which often consists of acetone. Soaking can be done in half an hour. Never, ever snap your acrylic nails off because it might tear away some of your natural nails in the process. 

If you have acrylic nails, you will need to apply nail oil on them once a day. Also, try not to apply too much pressure on your nails to avoid injuring yourself, and wear gloves whenever you are doing housework. The chemicals in most household cleaning products cause the acrylic to weaken and discolor.

Flair Hair: The Uber-Toupee

Bald? That’s not a problem with this "flair hair" visor from Kotula’s:

We all have "bad hair" days; some of us have "no hair" days. When you need to cover your dome, you’ll want something that does the job, something that adds a little fun, a little flair; your very own FlairHair visor. This cool little item will keep you covered and its built-in visor will protect your eyes from the sun, all while giving you a distinctive, 1970s, Bjorn Borg-at-Wimbledon look. Adjustable visor features hook-and-loop enclosure. Meeting with the queen not included.

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The 50 best beauty products

We've buffed, blow-dried, spritzed and smeared ourselves silly to bring you Stella's definitive guide to the best products out there. Whatever you do, don't go shopping without it 

1 Le Crayon Khôl in Gris Bleu £14.50, by Lancôme
Lancôme’s soft, easy-to-apply eye pencils come in a great colour range. Gris Bleu is perfect for blue or green eyes. 

2 Convertible Colour £18, by Stila 
Get year-round glowing, perky cheeks and rose-bud lips with this cream blusher and lip colour. The most popular shade, Petunia, is perfect for pale English roses. 

3 Professional hairdryer £100, by Daniel Hersheson
After using the same old hairdryer for about 10 years it was a revelation to try this lightweight gadget. Drying time was halved, volume was increased, styling so much easier. What a relief. 

4 Bio-Oil £8.95, from Boots
The smell and dusty-rose colour alone impart a feeling of wellbeing. And that’s before the vitamins A and E work to erase scars and stretch marks. It certainly helped the creakingly taut skin of one grateful expectant mother. 

5 Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil £26, by Ren 
It may look like Tango but this stress-busting bath oil has a subtle aroma, redolent of a Moroccan hammam. Great for sensitive skins.

6 Lash Envy in Plum £16, by Prescriptives
The perfect everyday mascara, Lash Envy never ever clumps, and creates a thick, natural-looking lash. This shade is lovely for winter. 

7 Vitamin E Moisture Cream £9, by the Body Shop
A Body Shop bestseller, this smells amazing, improves the condition of your skin and, although a thick cream, feels light and absorbs well. 

8 Chloé £45 for 50ml eau de parfum, by Chloé
An instant classic when it was launched last year, this floral fragrance is youthful and spring-like and deliciously elegant in its glass and silver bottle. 

9 Fleur Oriental £58 for 100ml eau de toilette, by Miller Harris
We think this warm, spicy scent is the perfect antidote to chill autumn days. Lynne Harris’s beautiful bottles are the perfect gift for any woman (or man). 

10 Beautyblender sponge £14.50, by Beautyblender
A sponge to dip in foundation and ‘bounce’ on to the skin, this gives amazingly even coverage. Be patient, though – it may initially take a little longer to apply make-up, but after a few tries you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

11 Armanisilk Lipstick in No 2, £18, by Armani
These butter-soft lipsticks leave lips with a creamy colour and a delicate sheen. Try this shade of plum for a dramatic winter effect. 

12 Météorites Powder for the Face in Butterfly Pearls, £39.50, by Guerlain
There’s something utterly indulgent about this finishing powder. Yes, its effect is pretty, but the packaging and bonbon-like pearls will also lend a Madame de Pompadour feel to any dressing-table. 

13 Lemongrass & Marigold Bodyscrub, £35, by Spiezia
This Cornish organic brand is so natural you feel as if you’re rubbing yourself down with ingredients gathered straight from the garden. The lemongrass is breathtakingly uplifting. The perfect pick-me-up on grey mornings.

14 Dual Act cleanser £15, by Temple Spa
Most cleansers are either too harsh or too oily, but this is a perfectly balanced light and creamy formula that leaves skin feeling soft and fresh. Can be rinsed or tissued off.

15 Natural Powder Facial Blotting Tissues £4, by the Body Shop  
Made of cellulose, these brilliantly convenient papers mattify the skin and can be used over make-up. No handbag should be without them.

16 Sexy Divide nail colour £8.50, by Essie
Purple is this season’s shade for nails and Essie is our favourite nail polish by far. It goes on easily and lasts for ages. What more do you want? 

17 Anti-Gravity Hairbrush Set £30, by T3
The right brush really does make a difference to styling. The ceramic ionic barrels of these three make for a faster, smoother finish.

18 Light-effect Concealer Pen £5.25, by Barbara Daly
Fantastic for dark circles; it gives great coverage yet seems to melt into the skin so that it’s totally invisible. Comes in only one colour, which suits every skin tone.

19 Tinted Moisturiser £32, by Laura Mercier
Perfect for light coverage, and the secret behind many a dewy complexion. Apply an undercoat of the matching primer, and you’ll be fresh-faced all day. 

20 Facial Treatment Mask £45 for a box of six, by SKII 
Before a party apply this hydrating cotton mask, impregnated with the Japanese brand’s signature ingredient Pitera (a blend of vitamins, minerals and proteins) for 20 minutes. Your skin will look as plumped as if you’d had a professional facial. 

21 Elasticizer £22, by Philip Kingsley 
Celebrating its 26th birthday this year, this intensive mask really does lend hair an elastic, shiny quality. And because it’s a pre-shampoo there’s no annoying hanging around while you wait for it to work. 

22 Nourishing Hand Cream £3.35, by Nivea
Better than many more expensive brands we’ve tried, it really sinks in and last for ages without feeling greasy. Good for dry cuticles, too. 

23 Hoola £22.50, by Benefit
This neat little box of bronzer is now a make-up kit classic. It has no shimmer and is ideal for paler skins as it just adds a healthy glow. 

24 Superbly Restorative Dry Oil £24, by Kiehl’s
This multipurpose oil absorbs into the skin almost instantly without leaving a greasy film, but it does impart a subtle sheen, making it great to apply to bare arms and legs just before you go out. Contains Fairtrade Moroccan argan oil.

25 Modern Friction £28, by Origins
We love this balmy scrub by Origins. Use a little on dry skin and massage it in for a few minutes before rinsing. Skin looks healthy, plump and glowing. 

26 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum £17.75, by No 7 
Several members of the Stella team swear by this hugely popular anti-ageing product and say their wrinkles seem ‘less cavernous’ as a result. They look great, so we have no reason not to believe them. 

27 Rose Water £8, by Neal’s Yard Remedies As a toner or just a facial refresher, this wonderful-smelling 97 per cent organic product is great for sensitive skin. If you’re prone to spots try the equally gentle lavender water, while the orange flower is lovely for more mature skin.

28 Advanced Night Repair £34, by Estée Lauder  
A bestselling serum that glides on to the skin and seems to make the face smoother and more relaxed. Apply before your nightly moisturiser.

29 Microdelivery Peel Kit £57, by Philosophy
We’re quite wary of abrasive peels and scrubs, but this at-home kit gives quick results without the scary consequences. It’s a two-step scrub and gel that you leave on for a few minutes before washing off to reveal the softest, smoothest skin. 

30 Lait Crème Concentré £15, by Embryolisse 
This hard-to-find French pharmacy product has a cult following and is loved by make-up artists. A great translucent product that is perfect under foundation. 

31 Slant Tweezer £16, by Tweezerman
Seems to reach hairs other tweezers can’t get to – and no snapping off as you pull. A classic make-up-bag essential. 

32 Eyeshadow in Night Life £15, by Nars
It’s a lot of money to pay for a single eyeshadow but there’s something irresistible about this shimmering sliver of silver, which imparts a subtle sparkle.

33 Full Shimmer Illuminating Shampoo £20 and Conditioner £27.50, by Shu Uemura
When an unknown woman compliments your husband on his fragrant hair you know he’s been stealing your Shu Uemura shampoo. Yes, it adds shine and body and smells of strawberries but buy your own, dear.

34 Oil Free Facial Hydrating Serum £28, by Aesop
The perfect moisturising solution for problem, spot-prone skin, this fresh-smelling serum hydrates and then disappears without a trace. Use it under a moisturiser or on its own morning and night.

35 Liquidlast Liner in Electrolady £13, by Mac
No one does on-trend, look-at-me make-up better than Mac. We love its liquid eyeliner in all colours but particularly in this high-impact purple. Requires a steady hand – or an oily eye make-up remover on standby. 

36 Long-wear Cream Shadow in Bone £16, by Bobbi Brown
We love to finger-paint with these pots of smudgy colour. You can build up density, or dab a finger-tip of a neutral shade like Bone to lids for a natural gleam. 

37 Anti-Ageing Night Cream £55, by Vaishaly
Vaishaly Patel, London facialist to the stars, has produced a small range of beautiful organic facial products that really work. Apply one or two pumps of the night cream and you’ll wake to plumped-up, super-soft skin. 

38 High Impact Lip Colour SPF 15 in Red-y to Wear £12, by Clinique 
This winter Clinique has a party-red lipstick range that will see you through all the seasonal cocktail parties and long lunches. We particularly love this dense, long-lasting shade of fire engine.

39 Gosh nail lacquer £5, by Superdrug
One of our fashion team paints her nails a different colour every night. When she says Gosh is an easy-to-apply nail varnish with a great colour selection we believe her.

40 High Hair Style Foundation £9.30, by Wella
This styling foundation is great for blow-drying limp, fine hair. It doesn’t go sticky and dries perfectly, leaving hair shiny and with added volume.

41 Diorshow Black Out Mascara £18.50, by Dior
This catwalk-quality mascara is inky, inky black and its long brush draws out lashes to their ultimate length. All the drama you need for a night out. 

42 Les 4 Ombres in Smoky Eyes £32, by Chanel
Every girl should have one Chanel palette in her collection and this grey/charcoal eye-colour selection is a party-season classic. A great stocking filler or birthday present. 

43 Clear Veil Powder £65, by Suqqu, from Selfridges
If you suffer from shiny skin you cannot do without this odd, clear ‘powder’ (it looks like matte Vaseline). Instantly mattifies that dreadful mid-afternoon sheen you tend to catch sight of in the work loos. 

44 Eye Make-Up Remover £14, by Bobbi Brown
Shifts even the smokiest of eyeliners, with no need for scrubbing. Unlike most oil-based removers, it leaves no greasy residue. It doesn’t make eyes sting or water, so it’s perfect for last-minute corrections – just dab a little on a cotton bud to repair skewed eyeliner and smudged mascara. 

45 Miracle Mask £38, by Nude
It’s a big claim but somehow this light, gel-like mask manages to do what it says on the tin. After five minutes skin looks brighter, more relaxed and feels thoroughly hydrated. Dare we say, we think it makes us look younger? Miracle indeed. 

46 Round Body Brush £7, by the Body Shop
A daily once-over with this brush will get your circulation pumping and help your body to eliminate toxins. It’s easy to grip, and the wood is from well-managed forests.

47 Lip Therapy in Rosy Lips £1.49, by Vaseline
Vaseline has been around since the 1870s and it’s still absolutely the best salve for chapped lips. This version is blended with rose and almond oil for a lighter balm with a subtle rosy tint. 

48 Olive Eye Cream £15.90, by Mario Badescu
This super-rich night cream works whenever your skin feels dry and crinkly – wrinkles look plumped up by morning. Great for fighting central-heating dryness.

49 Vitamin E Moisture Cream £2.49, by Superdrug  
Zooming in at the top of the credit-crunch beauty list, this body moisturiser is cheap but very effective. A satisfyingly thick consistency with a cocoa-butter fragrance and SPF 15. 

50 Poetic Cosmetics Waxing Kit £35, by Bliss
For the price of one and a half salon visits, this enamel mug of deep-blue, scented wax turns a chore into a serene ritual. It may take more time to melt this than to slap on wax strips, but Poetic removes even short, tough hairs, while the pre- and post-waxing lotions mean no skin irritation whatsoever. Lasts four weeks, too.

Winter Hair

Winterproofing Your Hair

Chilly weather is on its way. Along with this blast of cool invigorating air on the outside of our living and working quarters comes dry indoor heat. Both of these happen to be two of the top enemies of luscious looking hair, right after the chemical damage hair coloring and perming can reek. Don�t hide your hair under a wooly hat this winter, even if it is a designer brand with a chic price tag.

The havoc that combination can bring to your hair is avoidable with a few careful purchases and a basic daily plan. If your hair is your crowning glory, then why not give it the royal treatment? Follow these quick and easy tips to a mane of hair that will have even the king of the jungle turning his head for a second glance.

Flyaway hair can be tamed with a simple touch of leave in conditioner. No more tucking that sweater back into the closet simply because it adds a bit of electricity to your locks. Certain types of fabric create static charges when rubbed against our tresses. Leave in conditioners neutralize static charges and zaps them before they even have time to make an appearance.

Since a variety of leave in conditioners are on the market today, you have a lot of choices. Consider selecting one with a fragrance that appeals to you and have the added bonus of an aromatic pick me up. Simply spray the product on clean hair and comb through with even strokes. Remember to towel dry your hair for the best results.

Limp locks are a definite no-no. Once the dry hair has taken the moisture from your hair, it will hang like so much wet spaghetti. Use a bodybuilding styling aid with extra moisturizers to whip that mane of hair back into full flow.

Proteins are the building blocks of the human cells and this type of product is chock full of them. Along with glycerin for moisture, the protein and amino acids in this product work wonders to recreate a beautiful and full bodied head of hair.

The market is a veritable treasure chest full of styling aids. Shop around and locate the one that works the best for you. Simply spray a bit of the bodybuilding styling aid into the palm of your hand. Apply it directly to your hair near the roots for the best effect.

Taking care of your hair is just as important as putting on your face in the morning. After all, it is at eye level and one of the first things that people notice about you. If you want to feel good about yourself, then you need to feel good about the way you look. Cater to your hair and it will reward you with a noticeable bounce, a beautiful shine, and a look that even a mother would be proud to see.

Morning Bubble Bath

This citrus bubble bath will cheer you up and energize you. Perfect for a morning bath or use after exercising.

You will need:
6 drops of orange oil
4 drops of grapefruit oil
3 drops of lemon oil
1 quart of distilled water
1 bar of castile soap. (4 oz. Bar)
4 ounces liquid glycerin

Directions: 1. Mix the water, soap and glycerin together and stir. 2. Now add your essential oils to the mixture.

Hair Treatment Recipes

Protein Hair Treatment Recipe

What you need:
1 ounce soy sauce
1 cup warm water

Procedure:
After you shampoo, pour this over your hair. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse out.

Super Body Hair Treatment Recipe

What you need:
2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons unflavored gelatine
1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon stale beer

Procedure:
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
Comb or brush into your hair.
Cover your hair with a plaster shower cap or wrap with a sheet of plastic wrap. Cover with a thick terrycloth towel.
Leave this hair treatment on for 30 minutes, then rinse in warm water.
Shampoo your hair.

Avocado Scalp Soother Recipe

What you need:
1 egg
1/2 avocado, peeled and mashed
2 tablespoons wheat germ oil

Procedure:
Process egg in a blender until frothy. Add the avocado and oil, blending until smooth. Use right away.

If you have long hair, divide your hair into several sections and apply the paste first to the scalp and then work outward, massaging the paste along the hair shaft.

Cover your head with a plastic cap and leave on for 30 minutes.

To cleanse your hair, rinse first with warm water for 5 minutes and then use any mild shampoo.

Athletic Hairstyles

Athletic Hairstyles for Any Age

Creating the perfect pre-game hairdo can become a very enjoyable, cherished tradition. Friends and teammates can bond before each game as they help each other toss their hair back into fun, athletic hairstyles.

Bangs and long hair can be a liability if you are an athlete. Even short and medium length hair can get in the way while you play your heart out on the field or on the court. The constant tickle of your hair brushing against your face or getting in your eyes can be more than distracting; it can be downright aggravating. And quite honestly, how your hair looks is probably the last thing on your mind as you bolt toward that goal.

Not to worry, though. Several sporty hairstyles come to the rescue so you can focus on your game instead of your mane. Try micro-braids, double French braids, or pre-wrap - a stretchy, foamy material that trainers use for wrapping injuries and athletes use in their hair. You�ll get a no-fail style that keeps the hair out of your eyes and looks great!

Braids both big and small

The twisting motion involved with braiding pulls the hair out of the face and tucks it down along the scalp. For a great athletic hairstyle using double braids, create an even part from your forehead to the nape of your neck with a comb. Tie one pigtail off to the side and work with the other, braiding it as tightly as you can. Fasten the braid with an elastic band. Now repeat for the other side. You may also wish to try this style with French braids.

French braids begin by using hair in smaller sections up at the scalp. Follow these steps to French braid your hair in two pigtails:

• Using the double braid method of parting your hair, start with the first pigtail.
• Up at the top of your head, take three individual, equal sections of hair and cross them one at a time into the center, first from one side and then the other. Pull evenly and tightly for best results.
• Now add a little bit of hair into the side you crossed first and pull that into the center.
• Do the same with the other side. Continue this process, gradually adding more and more hair to each section as you braid your hair to the ends.
• Fasten the completed braid with an elastic band.
• Now repeat this process for the second pigtail.

Another athletic hairstyle variation is the micro-braid approach. Simply braid a few tight mini-braids in the front of your head to pull all the wispies and bangs and loose strands together and away from your eyes and face. Create a row of tight micro-braids, fastening each with a tiny hair band or miniature rubber band. Continue this process for as long as you like. If you have a friend who is willing to help you, consider donning a whole head of micro-braids for a fun and funky look.

Both of these styles look great with pre-wrap headbands. You can add a pre-wrap headband to almost any hairstyle, and the greatest thing is that it keeps the hair out of your face without slipping and sliding around like normal headbands. Pre-wrap is stretchy and composed of a soft, foamy material that doesn�t hurt hair or the scalp.

Pre-wrap for hairstyles

Pre-wrap, also known as underwrap, traditionally serves as a soft and comfortable barrier between athletic tape and the athlete�s skin when a trainer tapes up his or her injuries. It is designed to keep the tape from chafing and sticking to the athlete�s skin. For years if not decades, athletes have been swiping strips of pre-wrap and using them as headbands to keep their hair out of their eyes and off their faces while playing sports. College athletes, teenage athletes, soccer players, softball players, field hockey players, runners and just about any female athletes around enjoy the look and feel of pre-wrap in their hair before, during and after an athletic event.

Pre-wrap is colorful, easy to use, affordable, and best of all, it works. Foamy and stretchy, the pre-wrap material sticks to itself, which means it doesn�t slip like normal headbands. This makes it ideal for use as an inexpensive, versatile headband. You can purchase pre-wrap at most sporting goods stores and online. Pre-wrap is sold in rolls for about $2 or $3, where just one roll can equate to 50 or more headbands!

Most athletic leagues prohibit the use of hair accessories with the exception of elastic ponytail holders. Many leagues, however, permit the use of pre-wrap.

How to use pre-wrap as a headband:

Using pre-wrap as a headband is quick and easy, and takes only seconds. Follow these steps to get your hair ready for the game:

• Grab your favorite color of pre-wrap, or your team colors.
• Quickly wrap the pre-wrap around your head to measure.
• Tear off a strip at the appropriate length.
• Grab one end of the pre-wrap in each hand.
• Roll a bit between your fingers on each end.
• Tie a simple knot with both ends.
• Put your pre-wrap headband on just like a regular headband.
• Go out there, look great and WIN!

How to use pre-wrap without a knot:

As soft as velvet, pre-wrap can stick to itself without sticking to other materials. While most leagues allow the use of pre-wrap, some may specify that the pre-wrap cannot be knotted. You can easily create a pre-wrap headband without ever tying a knot�just follow these simple directions!

• Grab your favorite color of pre-wrap.
• In a lunge position, wrap it around your thigh.
• Wrap it around two or three times.
• Tear off at the appropriate length.
• Start rolling the pre-wrap until it forms a tighter loop.
• Roll your new headband down and off of your leg.
• Put it on your head just like a normal headband. No knot!

Ideas for special and creative pre-wrap hairstyles:

• Twist or braid two or more colors together for a fun and different look. Choose your favorite colors, your team colors or colors at random for a new style you and your friends will love.
• French braid the pre-wrap into your hair � especially if you use the double braids hairstyle above. Tear off a strip of pre-wrap and carefully twist the end around one of the three hair sections in your braid. Keep twisting and crossing the pre-wrap with that same hair section through the whole braid until you get to the end. Fasten the braid as usual. It may be easier if a friend or your mom can help you with this style.
• Instead of twisting and rolling the pre-wrap, wear it flat and wide like a decorative headband. You�ll be amazed at how it still keeps the hair off your face and neck!
• Make tiny bows with your favorite colors of pre-wrap or use teeny pieces to fasten the ends of your micro-braids.
• Get creative; the possibilities are endless!

Besides the basic natural tone, pre-wrap is available in black, blue, green, red, orange, purple, hot pink, light pink, maroon, and yellow/gold. Get psyched up with your team colors, choose your favorite hue or pick a shade based on your mood. Put on your game face, prepare to take on the competition and look great for your photos during the game!

Ponytail Styles

Fun and flirty or professional and sophisticated, the ponytail is a timeless style appropriate for just about any occasion or event. Ponytails look absolutely adorable when worn by young girls and tots, but they also look chic and classy on mature women.

Beyond the basics of ponytails, dozens of variations and fashionable styles await. Wearing two ponytails � aka: pigtails � is a style that dates way back to our youth. Nowadays, creative hairstylists and inventive product masterminds have developed fancy and interesting alternatives to the previously two-story style.

Here are a few styles to get you started on modernizing and accessorizing your ponytail. Just remember, you are only limited by your creativity!

Ponytail Style #1: A Simple Yet Elegant Up-do Ponytail

Meredith Boyd, founder of Mere Cosmetics (www.merecosmetics.com), proposes a modernized up-do sans curls. It is easy to create and looks great for any occasion.

To create Boyd�s style, follow these steps:

• Blow dry hair straight with a paddle brush and use a quarter-sized dollop of straightening balm like �Redken Straight 05� to prevent curls and frizz while also keeping hair smooth.
• Part: Make a deep part to one side.
• Sweep front of hair to one side and secure with a bobby pin if needed.
• Spray the front of your hair with hairspray to hold.
• Gather all of your hair back into a mid to low ponytail.
• Separate a small section of hair from the back of the ponytail and wrap it around the hair band.
• Wrap the hair around the band a few times with one hand, and with the other hand slip your finger through one loop of the band at the bottom in the back.
• Tuck the ends of hair through so it�s secure.
• That�s it! Now spray all over for hold.

�An extra tip is to always use hair bands the same hue as your hair,� Boyd says. �Appropriate for work or an evening out for a formal event!�

Ponytail Style #2: The Perfect Ponytail

Martha Creed, stylist of Fantastic Sams, recommends a sleek ponytail accented by your favorite headband. To create her refined look, follow these steps while hair is still damp:

• Apply a styling glaze while hair is damp.
• Brush hair back into a ponytail with a bristle brush.
• Twist the ponytail two to three times to give it holding power on a damp head.
• Blow dry hair. �As your hair dries, the twisting of the pony will add some volume,� Creed says. �Spray hairspray in hands so it doesn�t get that old fashioned hair look. Mix with spray shine for a shiny hold.�
• Accessorize with a headband in any complementing color.

Ponytail Style #3: Ponytails as a Convertible Fashion

Homer Prefontaine, owner and designer of Salon Prefontaine, says, �Do it Yourself Hairdos are easier than you think. One thing to keep in mind when you�re doing your own hair is to not try and make every hair perfect.�

Prefontaine�s three top styles for ponytails are appropriate for many occasions, but they range from elegant to playful in look and feel so you can match them to your own event or occasion.

�Depending on the event, you can either slick it back for an elegant and chic appearance, or you can tease it a little at the top and loosely pin it back for a soft and playful style,� he explains. �Another option is pulling your hair back from ear to ear into a tight ponytail and leaving the rest down for a sleek, yet soft look.�

The current style for ponytails is wearing them low rather than high on the head.

Ponytails are great as a last-minute fashion, as a fallback plan for a bad hair day, as a functional athletic hairstyle, or as a fun and flirty or elegant and sophisticated style. Just like blue jeans and t-shirts, ponytails are comfortable and here to stay!

Hair Extensions

How To Take Care of Hair Extensions
So you�ve got the all-new look, you�ve got the long gorgeous mane you�ve always wanted to have, and you�re feeling like a total goddess thanks to your longer locks. But they�re not going to stay beautiful unless you really make the effort to take care of them. Your extensions might not be your real hair, but that doesn�t mean you should just neglect them. We�ve got hair extension care tips for you right here, so take the time to check them out.

First and foremost, you have to keep your hair clean. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner or better yet, ask your stylist what kind of products would work best your hair and your extensions. When taking a shower, it�s recommended that you gradually wet your hair instead of putting on the full pressure of water on your head right away, which could cause a lot of tangling.

Going to the pool or the beach? Feel free to toss around your newly-lengthened tresses while you�re frolicking in the sand or lounging around beside the pool. But when the time comes for you to take a dip, tuck your hair under a swim cap. Chemicals and saltwater can do great damage to your hair. Wash your hair afterwards in case some of these seeped into your cap during your swim.

Don�t worry about putting your hair in buns, braids and ponytails. Your hair will still hold up when styled in different ways. Just make sure you use some good clips and bands which won�t stretch out your hair.

If you�re going to style your hair, remember not to use too much heat because it could turn your hair frizzy. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and let it air-dry afterwards. If you really must use a hair dryer, go with ionic dryers for best results.

An important reminder for you would be to stay away from coloring or perming your hair yourself. As always, consult your salon first and leave all treatments in their hands.

Following these simple tips will keep your extensions looking nice and natural. Best of all, you will get to keep your goddess-like locks for a longer period of time!